County Assessor - Real Estate Assessments

In 1990, the West Virginia Legislature ordered a statewide reappraisal of all property in West Virginia. Reappraisal occurs in three year cycles. During each three year cycle, the Assessor's Office must visit every piece of real estate to confirm and update characteristics of the property.

Although property reappraisal is now a continuous process, dramatic future increases in your property's value probably will not occur. Many taxpayers saw a dramatic increase in their property's value during the initial cycle because most property in the county had not been revalued for 20 to 30 years.

In 2009, however, the State Tax Commissioner under the direction of the Governor and Legislature hired independent appraisal firms to review assessments in all 55 counties. While this study was opposed by Assessors, the study may result in larger assessment increases for Wetzel County and other counties in future years.

If at anytime, however, you believe there is an error in the value of your property, you should contact the Assessor's Office. An official from the office will visit the property to determine if a reduction is warranted.